A growing trend among celebrities is the conversion of garden sheds into luxurious, multi-functional outbuildings, blurring the lines between a simple shed and an extension of the main home. These elevated garden spaces serve various purposes, from entertainment hubs and home offices to creative retreats and children's play areas.
Amanda Holden, for instance, unveiled a lavishly transformed garden shed in 2022, installed by Into the Garden Room. The custom timber-clad structure features floor-to-ceiling windows, a bar with a marble top, plush neutral furniture, and a hot tub on the decking. Jordana Ashkenazi, founder and design director of Element One House, described Holden's space as a stylish luxury garden room and bar, noting its seamless integration as an extension of the home for entertaining.
Former British Prime Minister David Cameron reportedly invested £25,000 in a designer shepherd's hut in 2017. This wheeled structure, intended as a writing space for a book, included a wood-burning stove and sheep's wool insulation. Ashkenazi praised its stylish, considered design, noting its quintessentially British feel and suitability for various uses, including as a children's playhouse.
Celebrities like Laura Whitmore and Iain Stirling have opted for a more themed approach. Their garden shed was converted into a cozy pub named 'The Snug,' complete with a stocked bar and tartan seating, a nod to their heritage. While not deemed sophisticated, Ashkenazi found it charming, inviting, and full of personality.
David Beckham has utilized a sleek, aluminium glasshouse on his £12 million Cotswolds estate as an entertaining space for guests, serving meals prepared with home-grown produce. This structure, costing around £100,000 before furnishings, features a long wooden dining table and a chequer-board floor, blending chic design with a rustic aesthetic.
During the 2021 lockdown, former 'Made in Chelsea' star Binky Felstead created a multi-use outhouse serving as an office, gym, and playroom. While functional, Ashkenazi noted the structure was quite imposing, though it served as a genuinely used and enjoyed family space.
Coronation Street star Beverley Callard and her husband Jon McEwen transformed their shed into a 'Megashed,' a private garden pub and date-night bar. This space features a stocked bar, sofas, and strobe lights, offering a more homely and less polished aesthetic. Despite its less glamorous appearance, it was seen as a fun and inviting retreat.
Influencer Mrs. Hinch, known for her organizational skills, has created aesthetically pleasing garden spaces. Her 'Hinch Hideout' for her children includes checkered curtains, soft rugs, and a mini post-box. Ashkenazi appreciated a workshop created for her father, noting its genuine purpose and seamless integration with the property's barn-style aesthetic.
Stacey Solomon applied her DIY skills to transform a rundown Wendy house into a charming Tudor-style haven for her children. The miniature home features painted wood panelling, heating, and cozy furnishings, described by Ashkenazi as adorable, fresh, and playful.
Comedian Vic Reeves is noted for his collection of garden buildings, reportedly having had five different sheds at one point, including an art studio, bar, and art gallery. One shed was even converted into a 'British Museum shed' filled with artifacts. Ashkenazi described his approach as imaginative, playful, and authentic to his personality, though perhaps not universally appealing.
Across the Atlantic, American interior designer Joanna Gaines has crafted a stylish sanctuary in her garden shed, focusing on organization and functionality for her hobbies. Her space is described as beautifully organized, calm, practical, and connected to nature.
Monty Don, presenter of 'Gardeners' World,' has multiple garden buildings at his Longmeadow garden, including a writing shed, potting shed, and greenhouses. His latest addition is a simple corrugated summerhouse, which Ashkenazi praised for its understated, practical, and timeless design that complements the established garden without competing with it.